ALMA Captures Largest-Ever Image of Milky Way's Core

Astronomers have unveiled an unprecedented image of the Milky Way's central region, known as the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). This image, spanning over 650 light-years, reveals a complex network of dense gas filaments surrounding the galaxy's supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*.

The ALMA CMZ Exploration Survey (ACES), involving more than 160 scientists from over 70 institutions worldwide, conducted this extensive mapping. The survey detected dozens of molecules, ranging from simple compounds like silicon monoxide to complex organic molecules such as methanol, acetone, and ethanol.

Ashley Barnes, an astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, highlighted the significance of these observations:

"It's a place of extremes, invisible to our eyes, but now revealed in extraordinary detail."

The CMZ is known for hosting some of the most massive stars in our galaxy, many of which have short lifespans ending in powerful supernova or hypernova explosions. Understanding star formation in this extreme environment provides insights into galactic evolution, as the CMZ shares characteristics with early-universe galaxies where stars formed under chaotic conditions.

Steve Longmore, ACES leader and professor of astrophysics at Liverpool John Moores University, emphasized the broader implications of the study:

"By studying how stars are born in the CMZ, we can also gain a clearer picture of how galaxies grew and evolved."

The detailed survey is expected to be followed by more in-depth observations with upcoming upgrades to ALMA and the commissioning of next-generation telescopes, aiming to further explore the interplay between stars, gas, and black holes in the galaxy's core.